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Grand Central Shopping Centre, Birmingham

A stunning, modern shopping centre integrated with Birmingham’s New Street Station, offering diverse retail and dining in a light-filled, accessible space.

4.5

Grand Central Shopping Centre is a modern retail destination in Birmingham city centre, housed within the redeveloped New Street Station. Featuring a stunning glass atrium and a single-level layout, it offers 62 shops including the largest John Lewis outside London, alongside diverse dining options. Open daily with extensive hours, it provides a seamless shopping experience integrated with transport links and is part of Birmingham’s largest retail hub when combined with the adjacent Bullring.

A brief summary to Grand Central Shopping Centre

  • 68A Ellis Mews, Birmingham, B2 4BF, GB
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the busiest crowds, especially on Saturdays.
  • Explore the John Lewis store’s events calendar for seasonal workshops and special offers.
  • Use the direct access from New Street Station to combine shopping with your train travel seamlessly.
  • Check individual store opening hours as some shops and restaurants open earlier or close later than the main centre hours.
  • Take advantage of the 24-hour car park nearby for convenient parking during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Train

    Arrive directly at Birmingham New Street Station, which houses Grand Central Shopping Centre. The station is a major rail hub with frequent services from across the UK. Travel time varies by origin, with direct trains from London taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The shopping centre is accessible immediately upon arrival without additional transport.

  • Bus

    Multiple bus routes serve the city centre with stops near Grand Central on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street. Buses run frequently from across the West Midlands region, with typical journey times ranging from 15 to 45 minutes depending on your starting point. Tickets cost around £2 to £5.

  • Car

    Drivers can use the 24-hour Grand Central car park located nearby at postcode B2 4BW. Access is via Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street. Parking fees vary but typically range from £3 to £15 depending on duration. City centre traffic and parking demand can be high during peak times.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in Birmingham city centre, Grand Central is within walking distance from many hotels and attractions. Walking times range from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your location. The route is urban and accessible, suitable for all fitness levels.

Grand Central Shopping Centre location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Grand Central Shopping Centre

A Modern Gateway to Birmingham’s Retail Scene

Grand Central Shopping Centre opened in September 2015 as part of the extensive redevelopment of Birmingham’s New Street Station. This transformation turned a once dull transit hub into a vibrant shopping and dining destination, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The centre is notable for its architectural brilliance, featuring a vast, light-filled atrium crowned by a domed glass roof made from the same material as the Eden Project in Cornwall. This impressive design floods the space with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for shoppers and commuters alike.

Retail Variety and Key Stores

The centre hosts 62 retail outlets all on one level, making navigation easy and accessible. Among these is the largest John Lewis department store outside London, a major draw for both locals and visitors. The retail mix covers a broad spectrum from fashion and beauty to technology and toys, catering to diverse tastes and needs. Smaller boutiques sit alongside well-known high-street brands, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience. The layout clusters food and drink venues around the central escalators, providing convenient refreshment stops during your visit.

Dining and Leisure Options

Grand Central offers a variety of food and beverage choices, from quick coffee stops to full-service restaurants. Many eateries open earlier and close later than the shops, accommodating commuters and evening visitors. The centre’s integration with New Street Station means you can combine travel with leisure effortlessly. Events and seasonal activities, such as festive tree decorating workshops hosted by John Lewis, add a community feel and enhance the visitor experience.

Connectivity and Accessibility

Strategically located within Birmingham’s main railway station, Grand Central provides direct access to regional and national rail services, making it a convenient shopping destination for travelers. Additional entrances on Stephenson Street and connections to the neighbouring Bullring Shopping Centre via a link bridge expand its reach. The centre is well served by bus and metro services, with nearby stops on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street. Parking facilities are available in the adjacent 24-hour car park, supporting visitors arriving by car.

Shopping Hours and Visitor Convenience

Grand Central operates daily with extended hours to suit various schedules. Shops generally open from 9am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays. However, restaurants and cafés often open earlier and close later, up to 11pm daily. This flexibility caters to early commuters and late shoppers alike. The single-floor design, escalators, and lifts ensure accessibility for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

Part of Birmingham’s Largest Retail Hub

Together with the adjacent Bullring Shopping Centre, Grand Central forms the largest city centre retail complex in the UK, offering over 240 stores and restaurants. This partnership creates a powerhouse shopping destination renowned for its variety and vibrancy. Whether you are seeking fashion, technology, dining, or entertainment, Grand Central provides a modern, stylish, and convenient environment to enjoy Birmingham’s urban energy.

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